Official: NKorea test-fires 2 short-range missiles

In this undated photo released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and distributed Thursday, March 14, 2013, by the Korea News Service, a rocket launcher is fired during a live drill by the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment and the Mu Islet Hero Defense Detachment deployed in the southwestern

/ AP

In this undated photo released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and distributed Thursday, March 14, 2013, by the Korea News Service, a rocket launcher is fired during a live drill by the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment and the Mu Islet Hero Defense Detachment deployed in the southwestern sector of North Korea. KCNA reported North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guided the drill. (AP Photo/KCNA via KNS) JAPAN OUT UNTIL 14 DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF TRANSMISSION

In this undated photo released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and distributed Thursday, March 14, 2013, by the Korea News Service, a rocket launcher is fired during a live drill by the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment and the Mu Islet Hero Defense Detachment deployed in the southwestern sector of North Korea. KCNA reported North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guided the drill. (AP Photo/KCNA via KNS) JAPAN OUT UNTIL 14 DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF TRANSMISSION (/ AP)

SAM KIM, Associated Press

A South Korean official says North Korea test-fired a pair of short-range missiles into its eastern waters this week in a likely response to ongoing routine U.S-South Korean military drills.

A military official in Seoul said Saturday the North launched what appeared to be KN-02 missiles during its own drills. He won't say on what day it happened. He declined to be named citing intelligence rules.

North Korea routinely launches short-range missiles in an effort to improve its arsenal.

The latest test comes at a time of rising tension. Pyongyang has threatened nuclear strikes on Seoul and Washington because of the drills and recent U.N sanctions over its third nuclear test.

Analysts say Pyongyang's threats are partly an attempt to push Washington to agree to disarmament-for-aid talks.